KASHMIR DISPUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27382, 6 May 1950, Page 7

KASHMIR DISPUTE

Assistance To Mediator PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER’S ASSURANCE NZPA—Copyright WASHINGTON, May 4. Liaquat Ali Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who arrived in Washington yesterday on an official 23-day visit to the United States, said today that the Pakistan Government would give all its assistance and cooperation to Sir Owen Dixon, who was recently appointed United Nations mediator in the Kashmir dispute. Liaquat Ali Khan told a press conference that assistance and cooperation would be given so that the mediator may succeed in his important mission.

He said that not much progress had been made on the Kashmir question in his talks with the Indian Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru. He said that Pakistan would abide by the vyill of the majority of the people of Kashmir, provided the plebiscite on the accession of the State either to Pakistan or India was free and impartial. Liaquat Ali Khan, who is also Defence Minister, said he was interested in obtaining the most modern equipment for his armed forces because of Pakistan’s “ very important strategic position." Asked if he expected to foster closer relations with the West, Liaquat Ali Khan said: “We already have close relations. I hope my visit will bring our countries closer together.” Liaquat Ali Khan later addressed both Houses of Congress and the National Press Club.